Grafton Police Issue Statement On George Floyd Killing

GRAFTON, MA — Grafton police are joining a choir of officials across the country in denouncing the death of George Floyd in the custody of Minneapolis police. Floyd was the Minneapolis man whose death was caught on video, as a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck. The viral video has sparked protests and a call for change and an end to police brutality throughout the country.

The Grafton Police Department issued a statement on Tuesday denouncing the officer in the video and said the department shares the frustration and demand for change by law enforcement. The department reassured residents that it is committed to treating everyone with dignity.

The department's full statement is below:

The members of the Grafton Police Department are shocked and outraged by the treatment of George Floyd that resulted in his death at the hands of former Minneapolis, MN police officers. The abhorrent actions, and inaction, of these officers defies law enforcement principles, training and ethics, and in no way reflects on who we are as a department and what we stand for as a profession.

We understand the anger of citizens everywhere and share in their frustration and demand for change by law enforcement. The Grafton Police Department is committed to treating everyone with dignity, compassion, fairness and respect, protecting their rights and ensuring their safety regardless of race, religion, color, creed, or sexual orientation.

Sincerely and Respectfully,
Chief Normand Crepeau and the members of the Grafton Police Department